Citizenship in Practice

On Wednesday, November 6, the day after the 2024 presidential elections in the United States, Miss Hall’s organized special programming for all students, making space for workshops on civic engagement, democracy, dialogue, and mindfulness.

Elections bring about change and a mix of feelings. In our global MHS community, there naturally exist a range of viewpoints and levels of interest in American politics. We honor students’ diversity of thought by providing varied, safe opportunities to learn, ask questions, and voice their opinions.

In keeping with the Miss Hall’s mission, we encourage students to be curious, self-aware citizens who contribute boldly and creatively to the common good. At this moment, we are leaning into our core values of honor, respect, growth, and personal authenticity, while also acknowledging that we can be a community of many viewpoints and, at the same time, not be divided.

We uphold the dignity of every one of us, our humanity, and our inherent worth. We remain steadfast in our belief that girls and women matter, and that our students are leaders right now.

Throughout the day, we provided specific spaces to share varying perspectives.

Dean of Equity and Inclusion Paula Lima Jones led students in discussion and deep listening as they explored pathways and barriers to building and being in community in the aftermath of increased political polarization.

Horizons Director Emerald Power and Associate Director Kasey Leslie asked students to reflect on their own values and beliefs and focus on opportunities we have in our lives to participate in supporting our communities through civic engagement.

Meanwhile, Dean of Wellness Kristen Milano and Dean of Teaching and Learning Meghan Smith shared practical techniques to stay grounded, manage stress, and maintain a growth mindset when faced with challenges.

History Teachers Dr. Liza Burbank and Dr. Leah Deane, and History Department Chair Dr. Michael Alexander convened an interactive session on the fight for women’s right to vote around the world, putting what students learn in U.S. History into a larger, global context.

Later in the day, Head of School Julia Heaton led the 9th grade in conversation about how the suffragists have been represented in recent music, art, and media. She was joined by former political strategist Jenn Kerwood P’21 to talk about the importance of voting, of working in and around women’s engagement in politics, and of expanding access to the vote.

Miss Hall’s School inspires and encourages each girl to pursue the highest standards of learning and character; to contribute boldly and creatively to the common good; and to seek a purposeful life based on honor, respect, growth, and personal authenticity.